Gun show comes to Hanover Outpost

Hunters, shooters or anyone who has an appreciation for firearms can bring their guns, ammunition and more to this year’s 38th annual Gun Show at the Hanover Outpost this weekend. There, anyone can buy, sell or trade their firearms on Saturday or Sunday at the show.

The event, sponsored by the Gila Fish and Gun Club, will feature more than 40 firearm vendors and dealers from across New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and California.

“Everyone, once in their lifetime, needs to check out a gun show because there is so much propaganda,” said George Shep-ard, secretary treasurer of the Gila and Fish Gun Club. “The show is a challenge and a lot of work to organize, but it always comes together.”

The show will feature a wide range of guns from modern styles to antique ones. With each vendor and dealer featuring between 50 and 100 guns, there will be plenty of weaponry to choose from, including pistols, shotguns and semi-automatics and single shots.

Anyone interested in buying must be 21 or over and be a resident of New Mexico (bring driver’s license). Also, the dealers, who all have federal firearms licenses, will ask if the buyer has been convicted of a felony and, to be sure, will call for a background check.

Sellers cannot bring a loaded gun into the building and all weapons will be inspected at the entrance doors. Ammunition must be packaged and knives need to be checked depending on size.

Other items for sale at the show include reloading equipment, knives (pocket and hunting), jewelry, and more.

“There is always a good turnout,” said longtime club member Terry Humble. “I love looking at the firearms.”

The Lone Mountain 4-H Club will provide food and drinks at the show, and on Sunday there will be hourly prizes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Hanover Outpost has recently been reopened after being bought by Grant County natives Gabe and Helene Holguin. The Outpost, which was built in the early 1900s, has hosted a couple of events, such as weddings, graduation parties and retirement parties, since the Holguins reopened it this spring. The main room holds 500 people and a smaller room — called the Meadows — holds 100 people.

“This is our first time holding the event,” said Helene. “I am excited to have the Gun Show here. The building has an open space for holding a good amount of tables. We are open to helping out clubs in the area.”

“I am looking forward to being in there,” said Shepard. “It has been remodeled inside and it looks great.”

The show will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday, Aug. 12, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. Admission is $5 for adults; kids 12 and younger get in free with an adult. The Outpost is located at 5490 Highway 152, in Hanover.